This study evaluates the structural performance of four-story buildings that use steel and concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns, both with and without cross-diagonal bracing systems. For the analyses, the requirements of the Ecuadorian Construction Code (NEC-15) were met regarding maximum inelastic inter-story drift ratios (IDR), vibration periods, equivalent seismic static analyses, and response spectrum dynamic analyses. Since Ecuador is located in a high seismic zone, structural engineers face constant challenges to conceive structures with adequate seismic behavior that are economic at the same time. Therefore, this study aims to help practitioners choose the most suitable structure for a project depending on its specific needs. In addition to the structural analysis, a quantitative and an economic evaluation was carried out, comparing the quantities of steel used in the superstructure and the quantities of concrete and rebar steel in the foundation. The results showed that from all the buildings under analysis, the performance of the building with CFST columns stood out, yet compared to the building with steel columns and cross diagonal bracing, it used only 7.14% less steel and was 5.49% less expensive.